Thursday, September 15, 2022

107th Infantry Memorial


This is an astounding memorial to the men who served in the 107th Infantry Regiment during WWI.  It is located on Fifth Avenue, with Central Park in the background.  I pass it every time I walk to the Met and always stop to look at it, and many times, to photograph it.  I can't take my eyes of each of the soldiers.  While in France, they saw heavy action, and at the end of the war in November 1918, of the 3,700 men originally in the regiment, 580 men were killed and 1,487 wounded, with four of the regiment's soldiers being awarded the Medal of Honor.  The bronze memorial was donated by 7th–107th Memorial Committee and was created by the sculptor Karl Morningstar Illava (1896–1954), who "drew from his own experience serving as a sergeant with the 107th."  This memorial was conceived in 1920 and was placed in the park and unveiled in 1927.  If you are ever in the city, you can find it at 67th street.


 

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing this photo and the history.
    Joan

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  2. The statue is incredible. I'm particularly drawn to the detail in the men's hands. They look strong and powerful. I am glad that you finally shared this photo. betsey

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